It is the culmination of months of campaigning and a night when the film industry celebrates while the world watches and marvels at the spectacle.
The 2015 Academy Awards will be handed out tonight.
Image: AMPAS
Kilkenny-based animation studio Cartoon Saloon will go head to head with the giants of film for its feature film, 'Song of the Sea.'
It is the second time the studio has been nominated for an Oscar.
Image: AMPAS
While short film 'Boogaloo and Graham' - a comedy set in 1970s Belfast about two boys and their chickens - is nominated for Best Live Action Short Film.
British hopes are resting on Eddie Redmayne to bring home an Oscar for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in 'The Theory of Everything.'
Michael Keaton is seen as the other main contender in the race to be crowned Best Actor. He is nominated for his starring role in 'Birdman.'
Image: AMPAS
The smart money in the Best Actress category is undoubtedly on Julianne Moore, who is nominated for her role in 'Still Alice'.
Keira Knightley is nominated for best supporting actress for 'The Imitation Game', but the prize is likely to go to Patricia Arquette, who stars in 'Boyhood.'
Image: AMPAS
The race is expected to be between 'Boyhood' and 'Birdman' for both Best Picture and Best Director.
Perhaps this year more than most there has been fierce debate over what was nominated and what was not - with both American Sniper and Selma proving controversial.
But it is exactly that type of publicity that is making it one of the most talked about shows in the world.
Celebrities have tweeted some of these behind-the-scene shots:
Hey, I know that dude! @TheAcademy pic.twitter.com/f3t9ooOMhM
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) February 22, 2015
@craigzadan @neilmeron Loved it. Calmest producers I've ever seen night before #Oscars pic.twitter.com/X2ftWkJa8w
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) February 22, 2015
From tonight's run thru – ready for tomorrow. #Oscars @GlenCampbell pic.twitter.com/f8Rv7HQfI2
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) February 22, 2015
The ceremony will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, who gives his take on it here:
